RHYTHM: 7/8, (sometimes 13/16) counted as 1-and, 2-and, 3, and-ah, or
ΓÇ£slow, slow, quick, slowΓÇ¥

ARMS: ΓÇ£WΓÇ¥ position.

Description

Measure 1

Slow
with weight on left foot, step sideward right on right foot

Slow cross and step on left foot in front of right foot

Quick step sideward right on right foot (ΓÇÿbloopΓÇÖ)

Slow cross and step on left foot in back of right foot (ΓÇÿbloopΓÇÖ)

Measure 2

Slow step sideward right on right foot

Slow hop on right foot swinging left foot across in front

Quick step sideward left on left foot (ΓÇÿbloopΓÇÖ)

Slow cross and step on right foot in back of left (ΓÇÿbloopΓÇÖ)

Measure 3

Repeat measure 2 but with opposite footwork and direction.

HISTORICAL NOTE: The above description is the way Eleno Mome is
danced in Bulgaria, and in many places of the world including the USA.
This is commonly referred to as the 2-1 version, because once the dance
is started, there are two ΓÇÿbloop-bloopsΓÇÖ forward and one ΓÇÿbloop-bloopΓÇÖ
backward. A strange thing has happened, however, in the
Bulgarian/Macedonian émigré communities in the USA since the early
1900ΓÇÖs. Somehow another measure 1 has been added to both the
forward direction and backward direction. So that now there are three
ΓÇÿbloop-bloopsΓÇÖ forward and two ΓÇÿbloop-bloopsΓÇÖ backward. This is known as
the 3-2 version. Either version fits the music. In addition, the arms
are held straight down, the ΓÇ£VΓÇ¥ position. So you may ask, ΓÇ£which one is
correct, and which one should I dance?ΓÇ¥ The answer is ΓÇ£when in Rome, do
as the RomansΓÇ¥. Once you get into the dance, they both feel OK. Dick
Crum, a noted Balkan dance instructor, taught the 3-2 version in
addition to the 2-1 version.

The name Eleno Mome is taken from the name of the song that is
usually done to this dance. Macedonian bands of the 1940ΓÇÖs ΓÇô 1960ΓÇÖs
called the dance ΓÇ£tsiganskotoΓÇ¥, the Gypsy dance. In Bulgaria it was
widely known as Tsone Milo Chedo. In Greece, the common name is ΓÇÿEleni
KoritsiΓÇÖ, or ΓÇ£Eleni KoriΓÇ¥.

© John Pappas, 2010. As presented at the MPO day of learning,
Springfield, Ohio, April 17, 2010.